Airline Points

By now, anyone who has the Internet, a credit card, or a bank account has seen the ads regarding how to earn points towards travel through special programs. It seems that most airlines have partner programs with other corporate ventures. For Delta, it's an American Express card, even though AMEX can levy high interest rates. With Bank of America, the use of a special debit or credit card that can funnel points to an account with US Airways promises excellent benefits. Many other airlines have similar offerings.

However, to claim those benefits, a one way ticket within the United States, not counting Alaska and Hawaii, can pilfer 12,500 earned miles from a would be traveler's account. That's a lot of miles, and it can often take several years just to earn 10,000. Never mind trying to fly to Europe, or heaven forbid...Australia. And these are for Economy Class. How many does it take to fly overseas in First? Whew!

If one uses an American Express card to earn points with Delta, that means that a rather high interest rate is tacked on to just buying a box of cereal at the grocery store. In the end, one would probably save more money by just shelling out for a round trip domestic ticket. Now if one does have enough points, the allotted seats on a given flight for rewards are limited.

Often times, the Economy seats will have been sold out, which leaves only Coach and First. Obviously, these require more points. So, either one pays for a ticket and can earn via flying with the airline with which a passenger has a frequent flyer account, or one can simply wait until they have more miles to be able to cash in for a Coach seat. Not a lot of options. Plus, even thoughthe points are supposed to be all that's necessary for a flight, there is often a surcharge for "Processing" that will need to be paid.

However, there are ways to earn points without having to wait until retirement to cash in for a flight.

1. Sign up with an airline in which one can use a debit card as opposed to a credit card. This will save on the high interest rates, and that can be a major money saver.
   


2. If one makes large investments, such as paying monthly for a new car, paying for school, etc., it can often be completed online. If that is the case, register the debit/credit card with that funnels points to a frequent flyer account. The points will add up very quickly.
   


3. The same can be done by paying for monthly provisions and other bills such as utilities and automobile fuel. As stated above, a debit card is the obvious choice.
   


4. Once signed up with an airlines frequent flyer program, that airline will send e-mails with special deals that can garner more than the usual mileage points. If one uses a debit/credit card to pay for goods or services through a specific vendor (store, restaurant, etc.), it is then possible to earn a great amount of points per dollar spent.
   


5. If one is lucky enough to have a job that requires a lot of travel, take advantage of the airline with whom your company deals and its frequent flyer program. The miles rack up in no time.
   

Here is a link that can help further: http://frequentflier.com/

Traveling Politely

On an American Airlines flight back in November 2011, I had an interesting experience regarding dealing with the flight attendants.

Because I had my three children with me, I has hauling quite a bit more than usual. Checking in luggage is both expensive and risky due to the "care" that the ground crews dole onto said baggage.

Anyway, while I was placing our baggage into the overhead bins, a flight attendant approached me and requested that I rearrange them in order to make room for others, since the passenger count was at maximum capacity. I simply said, "Whatever makes it easier for you is cool with me." She seemed a little surprised, but in a more positive note.

Now, since I had to rush to the airport, I didn't have time to stop by an ATM, so I was not carrying any cash, but I was carrying my debit card that needs to be replaced due to its magnetic strip being worn out. Many card readers have a difficult time scanning the plethora of information contained in the black stripe.

Later into the flight, when they passed out the free beverages and small snacks, I always made sure I said "Please" and "Thank you." At the same time, my children were behaving better than many adults do on flights. This was brought to my attention by the same flight attendant. Of course, I beamed at someone complimenting my kids.

Nonetheless, I wanted something besides just a soda or coffee for myself and pretzels for my kids, so I offered to purchase a large chocolate chip cookie for my three young ones and a small bottle of red wine for myself (though I love traveling, I'm a rather nervous flyer).

As it were, I needed to pay with my debit card, but when the flight attendant tried to swipe it through, the portable card reader would not scan the information. She tried it about seven times, and alas! Nothing.

I offered just to skip the culinary indulgences, but she decided just to let me have them both "on the house," or should I say, "on the jet." She then relayed to me that due to my demeanor and use of simple words of courtesy that there would be no charge.

Therefore, she seemed happy, my kids were happy with their big cookie, and I was happy that I could pour a little fermented grape juice down my throat.

Now this is not to say that good behavior and courtesy will earn material benefits, but it can always go a long way in creating a more pleasant atmosphere in an already stressful situation.

So when traveling, try to make it easy on whoever it is that deals with passengers. Their job is hard enough as it is. Using courteous words that contain on one or two syllables will not deplete a passenger of oxygen, and it makes for just slightly better experience for the attendant. That in turn can affect the manner in which the attendant deals with others.

So, before making demands or acting impatiently, take a few moments and turn on the positive vibes. Who knows? You may just get a free bottle of merlot.